Etsy Interview with Zebracakes

I'm currently a Ph.D. student and make crafts in my spare time. I named my Etsy store, Zebracakes, after my cat. My husband made the first Etsy iPhone App, Etsy Addict, and named it after me.

How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?

I used to bead plastic necklaces and bracelets as a little girl and have kept making jewelry as a hobby into my adulthood. It wasn't until I started shopping on Etsy that I actually thought about selling my creations online. I'm into earrings and hair clips at the moment, and I think that is reflected in my shop, Zebracakes.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I was surfing the web for do-it-yourself sites and that's when I stumbled onto Etsy. I signed on as Zebracakes and the rest is history.

What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?

I love Etsy because it puts me in touch with anyone from stay at home moms to up and coming clothing designers (and sometimes the stay at home moms ARE the up and coming clothing designers). We're all united by love of handmade (vintage items too). For me, Etsy is all about creativity and interconnectedness and it definitely shows in the design of the website.

If the website wasn't as innovative and social, I don't think it would have taken off like it has. Etsians can connect via convos, fora, chat, you name it, Etsy has it built into the website. It's pretty genius. With Etsy, my shop has exposure to anywhere in the world with internet. I've shipped items to places I didn't even know existed. Etsy is truly a global community. I've made several close friends on Etsy, which just goes to show how conducive the site is for friendship making. It's not a hostile auction money making machine.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

I think I'm most inspired by fancy clothes and shoes and desserts. My muses are Audrey Hepburn, Louise Brooks, Marilyn Monroe, and Marie Antoinette. Those women were all beautiful and strong. They weren't wallflowers.

What is your favorite piece you've created and why?

I've made a lot of things that I've loved, but I think I'd would have to go with something simple, something that I actually wear on a regular basis, my Small Vanilla Frosting Barrette http://www.etsy.com/listing/44469377/happy-hour-special-small-vanilla. I love my Frosting Barrettes because you can dress them up or down and wear them at age 12, 22, 42, or 92. They're sweet, but not totally over the top, so in my opinion, they are timeless.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I use my shop as an outlet, as a break from my "other life". I tend to get bored easily. I need to change things up every now and then and Zebracakes provides me with that release.

Do you have any new creations in the works? If so, what can shoppers expect to see from you soon?

I have some ideas kicking around that will include more decadent Lolita purses, Royal Dolly Marie Antoinette Necklaces, and sweet and fancy hair clips and earrings.

Where can readers find out about more information regarding your jewelry and other creations and possible special offers (including additional websites, blogs, facebook, etc)?

Follow me on Twitter! @zeebcakes

I currently have my Happy Hour Special going on through August 23. Buy one Frosting Barrette (Vanilla or Chocolate, any size) and get one of the same size FREE!!!